Dear Debbie

Dear Debbie

by Freida McFadden

Blurb:

Debbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she has compiled all of her best advice into her column, Dear Debbie, where the wives of New England come for sympathy and neighborly advice. Through her work, Debbie has heard from countless women who are ignored, belittled, or even abused by their husbands. And Debbie does her best to guide them in the right direction.

Or at least, she did.

These days, Debbie’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. She just lost her job. Something strange is happening with her teenage daughters. And her husband is keeping secrets, according to the tracking app she installed on his phone. Now, Debbie’s done being the bigger person. She’s done being reasonable and practical. It’s time to take her own advice.

And now it’s time for payback against all the people in her life who deserve it the most.

My Reaction:

This was my first time reading anything by this author, after seeing it recommended as a page-turner.  I ended up listening to the audiobook version, but it certainly was easy enough to listen to at a steady clip.  Did I like it, though?  Eh... It's okay—if you don't mind a revenge fantasy that hinges on some pretty incredible coincidences (and lots of them).  

Most of the characters aren't very likeable, either, which so many people always feel a need to say isn't really a problem for them.  I don't know if it's a problem for me, honestly.  I guess there may be books/movies/etc. I enjoy despite an unlikeable cast, but on the whole, no, I don't want to actively dislike most of the characters I spend a significant amount of time around.  I don't want them to be perfect, unrealistic little angels, either (so boring), but I'd rather not hate them.  

Anyway... It was something to listen to.  I'd consider another quick listen from this author, but probably wouldn't actively seek her out or commit to reading the text version, if they're all like this. 

Empress Theresa

Empress Theresa

by Norman Boutin

Author's Blurb (...?):

Theresa is honest, courageous, brilliant, loved by everybody ( even China wants her to take herself out of danger ), happily married, powerful but harmless, thoughtful of others' welfare not just her own, a believer in God, and an inspiration to the young and old. She attacks "impossible" problems with everything she's got and she never gives up. ____ "Those who challenge Theresa Hartley's power are fools" says the Israeli Prime Minister. "She could destroy the world."____ "Don't mess around with Empress Theresa!" says her husband Steve. __ Empress Theresa is what some people would consider impossible, a book about a good girl, with no sex, foul language, or violence, but still giving the reader an action-filled fascinating story. 

My Reaction:

(This is another 372 Pages We'll Never Get Back read, shared with Donald.)

Oh my gosh, I cannot stand Theresa.  She's just—argh!!  The author wants you to think she's some amazing paragon who's brilliant, brave, and wise beyond her years (and hotttt, too, of course).  But as the Empress herself might phrase it, "yeah, well", the truth is that she's an obnoxious, conceited brat of a teenager who just happened to luck into god-like powers.  (Well, sort of.  They're very strange and ill-defined powers, which she wields with all the wisdom, skill, and humility you'd expect from a bratty teenager.) At her worst, she's one of the most hateable characters I've ever come across who isn't an actual serial killer or abusive piece of crap.  Given the way Theresa is described, it's uncomfortable and creepy to remember that this was written by a man in his mid-60s. Is she his fantasy crush or his self-insert character—or both? Ick.

Then there's the science angle. None of it makes any sense, and I'm not just talking about the science fiction stuff.  It's utter insanity, yet presented in such a way that we're obviously meant to be impressed! 

There's unintentional humor, but also intense boredom and confusion and annoyance.  The podcast is the only reason to read this, as far as I'm concerned.